Wrestling fans will soon see their favorite superstars in a new light. WWE is partnering with ReelShort to launch an original live‑action microdrama, bringing the organization’s signature theatrics to the vertical screen.
The project will pair WWE stars with established actors from the vertical format. Scottish wrestlers Drew McIntyre and Joe Hendry are set to appear, alongside SmackDown competitor Jacob Fatu. They will join microdrama veterans Marc Herrmann – known for Fiancée’s Betrayal, Dante’s Inferno, and Puck Me Baby One More Time – and Chase Mattson, who starred in Married to the Don and My Duplicated Husband. The story’s specifics remain under wraps, but the blend of ring‑side charisma and seasoned micro‑drama talent promises a fresh viewing experience.
"By bringing WWE Superstars into the ReelShort cinematic world, we are creating a new storytelling experience for the WWE Universe, while reaching a fresh audience with premium content on ReelShort’s innovative platform,"
— Ben Houser, WWE head of original content and development
Filming is scheduled to begin next month, with a premiere date slated for the fall. The timing follows the excitement of WrestleMania 42, which took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026, where Drew McIntyre lifted Jacob Fatu during an unsanctioned match. The vertical format, known for short, melodramatic episodes that end in cliffhangers, aligns well with WWE’s operatic drama and wild stunts, offering viewers bite‑size thrills that keep them coming back for more.
ReelShort has been actively expanding its content slate. Earlier this year, the brand announced a co‑production partnership with Korean studio Showbox (Exhuma), signaling its ambition to blend international storytelling styles. The company has also delivered two separate microdramas with the shoe brand Crocs – Charmed to Meet You and its sequel Charmed to Meet You, Too – showcasing its ability to fuse brand collaborations with narrative content.
"Brand partnerships are evolving beyond product placement. We’re creating entertainment ecosystems where brands, talent, and storytelling come together to build cultural moments that audiences actively engage with and share,"
— Sammie Hao, ReelShort head of talent and business development
Vertical platforms have traditionally attracted a predominantly female fan base, but ReelShort is deliberately courting a male audience with projects such as the 2025 thriller American Sniper: The Last Round. The WWE collaboration appears to be another strategic push in that direction, leveraging the high‑energy spectacle of professional wrestling to broaden the appeal of short‑form, cliff‑hanger storytelling.
Frequently asked questions
What is WWE ReelShort
WWE ReelShort is an original live-action microdrama partnership between WWE and ReelShort, featuring WWE superstars in vertical microdramas.
When does WWE ReelShort premiere
The WWE ReelShort microdrama is set to premiere in the fall, with filming scheduled to begin next month.
Who stars in WWE ReelShort
Drew McIntyre, Joe Hendry, and Jacob Fatu will star in the WWE ReelShort microdrama alongside microdrama veterans Marc Herrmann and Chase Mattson.
